Organ transplant is crucial to individuals suffering from organ failure for various reasons, including chronic illnesses, accidents, autoimmunity, and genetic disorders. Constrained by traditional values, religious reasons and a low social awareness, Hong Kong has one of the lowest organ donation rates worldwide, with only 3.9 donors per million population in 2022. Unable to find suitable donors, patients are often faced with a long waiting time for an organ transplant; unfortunately, many cannot see the light of the tunnel. Thankfully, various medical organisations, patient groups, and the Hong Kong Government have relentlessly promoted organ donation registration and created successful patient journeys that brighten up the day.
In 2016, The Hong Kong Kidney Foundation (HKKF) and The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (BMCPC) initiated the Endless Love Healing Act to promote organ donation and pay tribute to donors and their family members. In 2017, the Endless Love Memorial Plaque Garden was set up, in which ceremonies were performed to commemorate the selfless individuals every Spring and Autumn.
On 28th May 2023, The Endless Love Spring Memorial Ceremony was held, and it was honoured to have the participation of the donors’ family members, Professor Lo Chung Mau (Secretary of Health), Dr. Lam Man Kin Ronald (Director of Health), Dr. Lui Siu Fai (Chairman of the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation), Dr. Tang Yiu Hang Simon (Director of Cluster Services of the Hospital Authority), the Hong Kong Organ Donation Action Group (“Action Group”), healthcare professionals and the recipients.
During the ceremony, Dr. Chau Ka Foon, The Convenor of the Action Group, expressed her gratitude to the selfless individuals who spread and continued their love and compassion to others. The recipients also promised the donor families that they would treasure their lives and be thankful for their opportunity to be reborn. The participants would continue to promote organ donation in Hong Kong and strive for more opportunities for those in need.
Dr. Lui Siu Fai, Chairman, the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation
Professor Lo Chung Mau, the Secretary for Health
Dr. Tang Yiu Hang Simon, Director (Cluster Services) of the Hospital Authority
Dr. Chau Ka Foon, the Convenor of The Action Group
Dr. Chow Kai Ming, Chairman, the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology
Dr. Lam Man Kin Ronald, Director of Health
